Chapter 3

Lyra's POV

Elena's eyes met with mine. “I have to go now,” she murmured and followed the guard.

As they disappeared through the glass, I remained rooted to the spot, unable to stop pondering about the mystery behind the deaths of Valdren's late mistresses.

Releasing a thoughtful sigh, I also approached the glass door.

Upon stepping out, I saw two guards coming from one of the eastern corridors, one of them speaking quietly.

"...the Crescent Pack's Alpha's new official heirs will be reannounced in two days. Heard their Alpha is inviting every other Alpha and Luna across the four territories. Our intel team picked up the invite this morning.”

I instinctively halted as Jake's words from yesterday immediately returned to me: "Sarah gave me a son and a daughter—twins with my true Alpha blood."

Snapping out of my trance, I quickly followed the two guards, who continued walking, unaware of my presence.

"Once everything's all settled, the Crescent Pack will—" one of them said, his voice fading as they walked further ahead.

Why were they discussing Crescent Pack here? I wondered as I continued to follow them.

But then, they took a turn, leading directly to the western wing. When I spotted the two guards standing watch by the doorway, I stopped.

One of them said as soon as he saw me, "You're not allowed here.”

Glancing ahead, I realized the two guards I had been following were nowhere in sight.

“The Alpha sent me. He needs me to provide some information about my former pack," I lied, stepping forward.

The guard only looked at me strangely. “If this turns out to be false, the Alpha—”

"Then tell him I forced my way past you. I will take the blame," I cut him off, holding up my bare wrist.

He exchanged an uncertain look with the other guard for a few seconds before finally stepping aside.

At once, I started in the direction in which the two guards had gone.

“…One of Jake’s twins will make him grow wings now,” I suddenly heard a strange male voice say from a room that had its door slightly open along the corridor.

Curious, I stopped and moved closer to the door.

“Only if they’re truly recognized. No one even knew those twins existed until last night,” another masculine voice replied.

"Do you make a habit of ignoring instructions?"

I suddenly heard the Alpha's unmistakable voice behind me, and I froze. Slowly, I turned and saw him staring directly at me, his amber eyes piercing.

This time, he wore a white shirt which had its sleeves rolled to his elbows again, his unwavering eyes holding only warning.

My heart hammered as I glanced toward the door beside me and then back at him. "I heard them talking about Crescent Pack.”

His gaze narrowed. "And?"

"I wanted to know why," I muttered, holding his gaze.

"Weren't you told this wing was off-limits?" He continued, his voice still controlled.

"I was," I mumbled.

"Then leave.”

My knees were already shaking slightly beneath my dress, but for some unknown reason, I remained still. "Not yet," I found myself saying, surprising even myself.

Instantly, his expression darkened. "Not yet?" he repeated in a dangerously low tone.

My throat tightened at the way he sounded, but I still managed to keep my eyes on his. "Not until you tell me why your people are discussing Crescent Pack's new heirs," I said, refusing to step aside.

Silence stretched between us for a few seconds. Then, he stepped closer, closing the little distance between us.

"You've been here for less than a day." His voice dropped cold. "And you're already disobeying my orders?"

"I was sent here without being given a choice," I answered sharply, despite how close and dangerous he looked standing over me. "And I'm not going to pretend I didn't hear what concerns me.”

As my words landed, his eyes searched my face, and for the first time, I saw something other than coldness, but interest in them.

Before I could observe his expression further, he suddenly grabbed my chin, his hold firm. "You sound very certain for someone who knows nothing about my territory," he whispered, his hot breath brushing slightly against my lips.

"I'm certain about one thing," I murmured.

His brow lifted.

“I’m not as weak as my rejected father made me out to be,” I added firmly.

He remained silent for a few seconds as he continued staring down at me. Then, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips. "Perhaps you're not," he whispered, releasing my chin before stretching his long, tattooed arm toward the door.

As the door opened widely, the voices inside immediately fell silent.

"Since you've already decided to cross my orders, Lyra..." he muttered, his gaze still lingering on my face. "...you might as well hear what they were discussing."